There are probably many other answers to this question, but I think (as I have contemplated this exact question a LOT lately) we are AFRAID to be who we are CALLED to be.

It boils down to FEAR, doesn't it?

I touched on this yesterday a bit, but I think we all worry about what others think about us. We let the world around us "shepard us" into becoming something we never intended to become. Influence is everywhere, and who wants to feel like they are going against society? Going against "the NORM" and just might stand out like a sore thumb!?

I think I've said this before, but I thought I wasn't one to worry too much about what others thought of me. Well, I guess I should take that statement back, because lately that would be a false statement. As I get older... ugh... I am realizing that the enemy is putting those doubts in my mind as I reach further out in my faith. I've struggled lately with how do I do all that I feel the Lord is calling me to do... and what will people THINK? Yikes...

Hi, I'm Laura McCollough and I'm almost 50 years old and NOW I struggle with my identity??

Our identity, no matter how we slice it, IS made up of the experiences we've had, the people we surround ourselves with and the things we fill our minds with.

"You are who you surround yourself with."

Now is where I am talking to myself just as much to you...

We need to remind ourselves who we are in CHRIST.

Psalm 139:13-16 says this:

For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother's womb.I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.My frame was not hidden from you,when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth.Your eyes saw my unformed substance;in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them.

THIS is WHO we are. Listen up hearts... Did you hear that?

He CREATED you, He knitted you together in your mother's womb. He used His beautiful Creator GENIUS to make:

YOU.

I would change this to say be who GOD created you to be, but you get the point.

Yes, all of our past, all of our experiences, the people who we surround ourselves with, the world that screams at us to be a certain way... it can all INFLUENCE us, but it can't DEFINE us. God in Heaven wants that job.

The world will NEVER take away the simple truth that God formed you. And if He formed you, He did it for a REASON. He does NOTHING without INTENTION. So girl...

GO... BE... YOU...

Before I leave you, I want to tell you what my heart was rejoicing over this morning...

I just cried in worship this morning as I was realizing what truly special people God has surrounded me with! I am in awe of the One who made us. Ok, tears coming again... (that's probably the "almost 50 hormones kickin' in, lol) Ladies, I hope you know how much YOU have made a positive impact on MY life! There are some amazing women who the Lord God has placed in my life to teach me, to help me grow, to inspire me and nudge me to become what He is desiring me to be. He has done that, and I don't take anything away from Him when I say thank you to YOU for being a part of His plan.

When I walked through that door of wanting to be CREATIVE, wanting to take YOU with me, and wanting to SHARE life with as many of you as possible... The Lord brought incredible JOY to my life through that.

He has a REASON for all of us to be here.

So GO boldly forward in AWE of the One who knitted you together...

Hugs to you,

Laura

P.S. A good read right now (in addition to the Word of God) that is helping me to see my calling is this book: